Cucumber Rolls with Ham and Cheese

In reality, spring in the northwest is a combustible combination of all four seasons, often happening at the same time. Even though Mother Nature isn’t going to cooperate and bring us warm weather right away, we are throwing a garden party.

This recipe is one of my favorites not only in its simplicity, but because any combination of foods can be used. The cream cheese pairs well with the smokey ham and fresh cucumber, yet it can also be dressed up and sent to play with any combination of meats and cheeses.

…and you will love how simply and quickly it all comes together. So let’s get to work!

Alternative Combinations

Add fresh herbs and spices to your cream cheese. If you do this, let them chill overnight so the flavors blend well.

What kind, you ask?

Dill, a tiny bit of horseradish and a dash of salt added to cream cheese, works well with smoked salmon.

Small chunks of blue cheese whipped in to the cream cheese paired with either chicken or ham is divine.

Your local grocer has delicious little tubs of cream cheese pre-mixed with herbs and seasonings. Experiment.

We cut strips of sharp cheddar cheese to pair with the smoked ham. If you are looking for a subtler flavor, you may wish to omit the cheddar or add one of your own favorite flavors.

Cucumber Rolls with Ham and Cheese

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers

1 package smoked ham, thin slice

Sharp Cheddar Cheese, cut into strips about an inch wide

1 8 ounce package cream, soft and whipped

Small bit of fresh dill

Directions

The night before: Soften and whip cream cheese to a smooth consistency. Add a small bit of fresh dill. Dill tends to take over the playground so use sparingly. Mix the dill well into the whipped cream cheese, cover and chill overnight.

Slice cucumbers using a mandolin or peeler. A knife is possible but we’ve already talked about that.

Slice your ham to the same width as your cucumber or “slightly” larger for that pop of color on the serving tray.

Assembly

Lay out all of your cucumber strips on parchment paper.

Place ham along the length of strip except for about a quarter of an inch at one end. This is the top, where you will secure your roll.

Spread cream cheese mixture the length of each cucumber slice, again leaving that quarter of an inch at the top.

Place cheddar cheese, same rules apply.

Beginning at one end (not the top you’ve left clean) roll up tightly, like a jelly roll and secure with cocktail pin.

Photograph | Elena Shashkina

If you love this appetizer and would like to share some of your own, please head over to our Facebook page and share away!

Stay tuned for “Girls Night In” as we travel, get together, create delicious appetizers, dazzling cocktails and sip a bit of wine. We will discuss this on Basil & Salt Radio, coming this month! Cheers!